Things to do in Buffalo

Come visit Buffalo! Expedia makes it easy to book Buffalo tours and find the best attractions. We have a broad selection of things to do in Buffalo for you to browse through and learn about all the most popular activities. It’s easy to find all the must-see Buffalo sights by looking though our list of all the most popular Buffalo attractions.

Whether you travel to Buffalo in the spring, summer, fall or winter, Expedia makes it simple to find endless Buffalo vacation ideas for any season. You can explore local things to do and popular tourism spots in Buffalo, then book a flight, rental car and hotel all with ease.

Discover Niagara Falls from the American side as your tour guide shares its history and mechanics. Enjoy the thrill of the falls up close in the Cave of the Winds, take in the views from the Niagara Falls State Park... Observation Tower, and feel the rush of the Maid of the Mist boat ride.

Start your journey with a visit to the observation tower. See stunning views of the falls as your tour guide shares stories of the many daredevils who have attempted to conquer them. Head to Prospect and Terrapin Pointe state parks and journey into the Cave of the Winds—175 feet (53 m) down into Niagara Gorge.

Walk down to the Hurricane Deck and marvel at the rushing waters emerging above you. Tour the rapids and whirlpool as your tour guide shows you the lower and upper Niagara River, Goat Island, and the National River Gorge.

End your journey with a Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes you to the heart of Horseshoe Falls. See the crashing waves and feel the enormous rush of the mist.
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Imagine finding yourself in the middle of a jungle with exotic birds flying freely around you. This movie-like set can be found just a few steps away from the main tourist area of Niagara Falls.

Discover the history of the area as you start your journey at the Old Museum, and then enjoy the opportunity to hold parrots and other exotic birds. Continue on for a spectacular view of the Niagara River and Gorge before you enter the Night Jungle to meet creatures of the evening, including owls, bats, and reptiles.

Finally, step into in the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary. This multi-level rainforest offers a number of winding paths so that you can admire the colorful birds and listen to the powerful sounds of the waterfall.

Experience the splendor of Niagara Falls in the evening. See the falls from the Canadian side of the border, and then enjoy the unique sight of the cascading water illuminated against the night.

Take in Niagara Falls from Canada's shorelines. Embark on a Journey Behind the Falls tour for a captivating vantage point and venture through bedrock tunnels and into the mist of Horseshoe Falls. After you see and hear the falls up close, step back and enjoy the panoramic views atop Skylon Tower.

Your twilight exploration of Niagara Falls also highlights the upper Niagara River, Whirlpool Rapids, Goat Island, American Falls, Table Rock House, New York and Canadian power plants, the Floral Clock, Clifton Hill, and Queen Victoria Park.

The falls-themed evening ends with a spectacular showing of lights and colors on the falls themselves, a dazzling sight against the dark of night.

Enjoy breathtaking sights of the mighty Niagara Falls from the Canadian shoreline. See awe-inspiring views from Skylon Tower, cruise through the heart of the falls, and journey behind the water on this enthralling adventure.

Visit the Skylon Tower for some stunning views of the falls. Learn about their history and mechanics as you travel to the Giant Whirlpool—125 feet (38 m) deep into the Niagara Gorge.

Spend time at the New York and Canadian power plants, the School of Horticulture and Floral Clock, Clifton Hill, Queen Victoria Park, Old Scow, Niagara Parkway, Water Control Dam, and the Whirlpool Gorge on this comprehensive tour.

End your day by taking a Hornblower cruise, a thrilling journey to the heart of the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil falls. Feel the falls' thundering waves and refreshing spray on this electrifying ride.

Dine like a rock star among pop, soul, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia—costumes and instruments from your favorite musicians—at the Hard Rock Cafe. Skip the lines with priority seating and enjoy a classic meal and a cookie.

Don't wait for a seat—with priority access, you can zip past the crowds and cozy up to your table in no time. As you wait for your cheeseburger, pasta, grilled chicken sandwich, or salad, listen to the music playing over the speakers and peruse the wide variety of rock 'n' roll memorabilia.

After dessert, take another look around. View classic items on display, like items from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, a sketch Jim Morrison drew in high school, and a portion of a wall once belonging to the CBGB club.

Experience the raging waters of the whirlpool 1 mile down the river from Niagara Falls while you stay dry in the Jet Dome. Feel the thrill of Class 5 whitewater rapids and the force of a 15-horsepower engine as your... boat safely guides you through nature's obstacles.

You and your family take off up the Niagara River to the Niagara Whirlpool—the counterclockwise spin that forms as 30 feet (9.14 m) per second of water meets the gorge. After battling the whirlpool—still totally dry—you head back down the river to Devil's Hole Rapids. Take in the tree-lined beauty of the the river in between sections of up to Class 5 rapids before heading back to where your adventure began.
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Escape the elements at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, where it's always 86 degrees (30 C) and warm enough to don a bathing suit and fly down a slide. Found inside Falls Avenue Resort, the waterpark is located directly across from Niagara... Falls.

Start on 1 of the 16 waterslides like the Canadian Plunge, a giant water centrifuge that sends you spiraling down the bowl. Climb to the top of Toob Tower, where you have your choice of 4 slides. Ride down with your friends or go solo.

Next, grab a tube, head to the Tidal Wave pool, and ride the 3 to 4 foot (1 m) waves. If the weather is nice, get some fresh air on the Sunnyside Patio and Pool, and catch some rays to work on your tan. Purchase lunch at Planet Hollywood Beach Club, which offers a variety of sandwiches and snacks, including healthy choice combos.

When you need a break from the kids, venture to the Horseshoe Hot Springs. This adults-only whirlpool relieves your tired muscles after a long day of playing.
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Sit back in a 600-plus seat Las Vegas-style showroom and experience the art of illusion, mystery, and magic with Greg Frewin. Be amazed beyond belief by one of the most decorated magicians in the world.

See spectacular appearances by his rare and majestic tigers. See grand illusions, beautiful dancers, and exotic birds in this captivating show that leaves you on the edge of your seat—in anticipation of the next mind-boggling illusion.

Winner of multiple professional magicians’ awards and a commanding performer, Greg Frewin excites your imagination with his illusions. He's appeared on stages in Las Vegas, Bahamas, Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia—and has made more than 35 TV appearances. This fascinating show leaves you speechless and believing in magic.

Experience 12,000 years of Niagara Falls on a movie screen more than 6 stories tall. Witness the true stories of Niagara’s daredevils and take time to explore the Daredevil Gallery—the only place in the world you can see and touch... the daredevil barrels that challenged the mighty falls.

Hold on to your seat and prepare yourself for an unparalleled thrill ride. The movie from IMAX® takes you on an exciting adventure over Niagara Falls. It's guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.

Discover the thundering falls from a unique perspective—up-close and larger than life. Learn about the people who wanted an even closer view of the falls in the Daredevil Gallery. Relive these stories of those who dared to take the plunge, and then see and touch the actual barrels, spheres, and other vessels that carried them over the falls.
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See the true-to-life wax figures that call the Louis Tussaud's Waxworks museum in Niagara Falls home. Browse through themed galleries full of heroes, monsters, musicians and actors on your quest to find your favorite celebrity.

The Tussaud family, in the wax-making business since the 1800s, has created stunning variety in their many collections seen at wax museums across the globe. At this location, many of the figures are in staged areas that give you the chance to be in the scene. Travel to 1985 and pose with Marty McFly and his Delorean time machine, request to be beamed up along with the crew from Star Trek, or swoon over the cast of Twilight.

Snap photos to share with family and friends and tell the story of who you met on your trip to Niagara Falls. Will they believe it or not?

Take the opportunity to visit Marineland, just a few minutes from Niagara Falls, and experience the amazing interaction between majestic aquatic creatures. Watch whales and dolphins as they move gracefully underwater, or catch them in action performing live in front... of you.

See high-flying dolphins as they flip in the air, or meet one of the most unique looking whales from the marine mammal family—the beluga, an adorable white whale. A few steps further, you come across the magnificent killer whale, which—despite its ferocious name—is a really friendly and affectionate creature.

Finish the day on a variety of thrilling amusement rides, including Dragon Mountain, the world’s largest steel roller coaster. Marineland is a Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquarium (CAZA) accredited facility; a dedicated team of care givers works tirelessly to ensure that all of our animals are happy and healthy.
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Experience the remarkable Niagara Falls on the silver screen! "Niagara: Legends of Adventure" brings the falls to life on a 45-foot wide screen while the thunderous sound of the rushing waters is delivered through Dolby Digital surround sound.

Discover the power and learn the facts behind the myths and mysteries of the 12,000 year-old falls. Get up close to the daredevils brave enough to take the plunge. Find a new perspective on these thundering falls from this 30-minute surround-sound presentation in a 275-seat stadium-style theater.

From the sensation of liftoff to the excitement of soaring above turbulent rapids and a cascading waterfall, your all-scenic flight gives you a thrilling view of Niagara’s natural and man-made wonders. Picture-taking opportunities are not to be missed, so your... camera should be handy at all times.

Your safety and comfort are paramount as you climb aboard 1 of 5 meticulously maintained Bell 407 helicopters. The 9-minute tour includes onboard commentary in many different languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. This helicopter tour is certain to be the highest, most scenic, and most exciting sightseeing experience you have in the Niagara Region.

After your tour take some time to explore the gift shop, have a bite at the Ultimate Fry Canteen, or relax in the tranquil picnic and observation area.
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Gaze over the horizon at the unobstructed views of the famous Niagara Falls while smoothly gliding through the air on the Niagara SkyWheel, which towers 175 feet (53 m) in the sky.

A bird's-eye view awaits you as you step into one of the climate-controlled gondolas. All have floor-to-ceiling non-reflective glass windows, providing a perfect setting for photos of the surrounding area. As you ride to the top, you enjoy expansive views of Horseshoe and American falls, the largest of the 3 waterfalls that make up the famous Niagara Falls. These renowned falls have the highest flow rate in the world. You have the opportunity to marvel at these powerful masses of water flowing into the Niagara River.

The SkyWheel provides spectacular aerial views of the surrounding area. And nothing compares to a ride at night, when the falls are lit up and lights glitter from the Clifton Hill promenade.

Visit 4 estate wineries encompassing 3 sub-appellations during your tour. With an abundance of tastings, you are sure to have a sumptuous day of touring.

By luxury motor coach, travel to Inniskillin Winery, Canada's oldest estate winery. Founded in the 1970s, it boasts a large variety of award-winning red and white wines along with iconic ice wines. Reif Estate Winery, also founded in the 1970s, traces its wine-making roots back 12 generations to Germany.

Continue to Pillitteri Estates, the world's largest estate producer of ice wines, and Small Talk Vineyards, a boutique winery that focuses on pairing good wines and good friends.

Close proximity to Lake Ontario provides the Niagara Peninsula with the moderate temperatures needed to produce its award winning wines. Niagara boasts the largest planted vineyards in all of Canada and is home to more than 32 varietals spanning 13,600 acres (5,500 ha).

After you have finished your tour of the Niagara wine region, spend some time browsing and shopping in the city of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to your hotel.

The Niagara area boasts more than 32 varietals of grapes in Canada's largest wine-growing region. Savor award-winning wines at two of the oldest, best-known estates—Chateau des Charmes Winery and Inniskillin Winery. Then enjoy a 3-course gourmet lunch with a panoramic... view of the Niagara River.

Begin with with a visit to Chateau des Charmes Winery. This 280-acre (110-ha) estate is known for its European varietals and impressive tasting room. The family traces its wine-making roots back 5 generations to France. The next stop is Inniskillin Winery, Canada's oldest estate winery. Inniskillin boasts a large variety of award-winning red and white wines along with iconic ice wines.

After sampling the wines produced by these two estates, continue on to the city of Niagara-on-the-Lake for a gourmet 3-course lunch, paired with a glass of wine or beer. Enjoy your lunch, which includes an appetizer, an entrée, and dessert, with a panoramic view of the harbor and the Niagara River in the background.

Finish your day browsing the stores of this charming city that was once the capital of Upper Canada.
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Enjoy dinner and a show with Canada’s premier musical comedy, Oh Canada Eh? Experience a procession of Canadian characters as they delight you with songs and serve an exceptional 5-course meal.

Step into the rustic log-cabin theater, and immerse yourself in a world of music and laughter. Sit back as Mounties, lumberjacks, and hockey players sing more than 70 Canadian songs. You won’t have to look far for your server because the performers also serve your all-Canadian, family-style dinner. All ages can appreciate this Canadian feast. This dinner show has been enjoyed by more than 600,000 people from all across the world.

Board the Whirlpool Wet Jet for a thrilling adventure just miles from the raging Niagara Falls. Perform the famous "Hamilton turn"—a 360-degree turn that ends with a huge spray of water as you circle back into your own wake.

Your jet boat ride begins by heading upstream against the flow of water that pours from Niagara Falls at 30 feet (9.14 m) per second. Just a mile downstream from the falls is the Niagara Whirlpool, where you get sucked into a counterclockwise current. The jet boat revs its 1500-horsepower engine to pull you out of the whirlpool and back down the Niagara River.

On the ride back experience the Class 5 rapids known as Devil's Hole. If you weren't soaked already, here's your chance, as the front of the boat fills knee-deep with water. You're sure happy you brought a change of dry clothes for the car ride home.

The Niagara Falls Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, open since 1964, boasts a collection of oddities from Robert Ripley's travels to more than 200 countries. Journey through the galleries of artifacts, interactive displays, and works of art that make... this world such an odd place.

Step inside the sideways Empire State Building, knocked over by a still-present King Kong, to enter the world of the weird and wacky. See how you measure up to the world's tallest man or strike a pose and watch your shadow stay on the wall as you walk away. Visit Optimus Prime and his other Transformer buddies in the 10,000 square feet (929 sq m) of exhibit space.

Since you are visiting Niagara Falls, take the time to watch a film about of the countless daredevils who have ventured over the falls and the spectacles that ensued. Two-headed animals and medieval torture devices are among the many things on display as you make your way through the rest of the museum. Head to the gift shop with unusual souvenirs as well as the Wax Zone, where you can have your hands dipped in wax for a lasting memory.
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Fasten your seat belt and get ready for a bumpy ride in this moving 4-D theater. When the movie pans to the right, you go right. Along the way, feel the exhilaration of 6 channels of digital surround sound pulsing... to your eardrums.

Watch 2 brand new movies. Feel the cool wind and snow as you become a tubing snowman sliding down the mountain in "Winter Wipeout." In "Rat Race," start your tiny engines, speed along the living room floor toward the finish line, and see how the rats play while you're away.

In this state of the art moving theater, you don't just watch the show, you're a part of it.
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Enjoy convenient shared transportation between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and your hotel in the comfort of a shuttle. For transfers to and from Niagara region, the areas to select from include:

Niagara FallsSelect this option for hotels in the southern Niagara Falls region, U.S and Canada.

Niagara-on-the-LakeSelect this option for hotels in northern Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.